About Us
About Cheryl Checker, LMHC, NCC
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Individual, couples, and family counseling for neurodivergent individuals and their loved ones online across Florida
Hi, I’m Cheryl Checkers. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist who specializes in working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum and their loved ones. My goal is to help you be the best version of yourself.
I Have a Genuine Interest in Helping individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. I Bring Non-judgmental Acceptance to sessions
I am a genuine, non-judgmental, and strengths-based counselor. I work collaboratively with individuals and families to identify the goals that matter to them. I use evidence-based solution-focused therapeutic modalities to help each client achieve their goals and enhance their lives. I support individuals on the spectrum and their loved ones to better understand and accept neurodiversity and to cope with common mental health struggles.
I have a special interest in working with adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are experiencing anxiety, trauma, and/or depression. I have advanced training in treating anxiety and I specialize in treating severe anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorder. In addition, I have expertise in working with girls and woman with ASD, and individuals dually diagnosed with ASD and mental health conditions. I help individuals understand and manage their emotional states, and guide caregivers in helping their loved one integrate newly learned skills.
I have supported numerous parents and caregivers over the years in adjusting to a new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for their teen or young adult child by facilitating communication between family members, helping families to process their emotions and by increasing understanding of their loved one’s needs. I am highly skilled at helping families navigate the service system and in building advocacy skills.
Book a Free Consultation Today!
Our Sessions Are Focused on You
It’s important to me to provide a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to counseling. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns and will provide you with the space to explore your thoughts, feelings and goals.
My Professional Background
I received my Master of Science Degree in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I am both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board-Certified Counselor. In addition, I hold advanced certifications as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Clinical ADHD Treatment Professional (ADHD-CCSP). I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder and mental health diagnoses and their families. I am also a clinical consultant for Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FAU CARD).
Credentials:
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- Master of Counseling Psychology, Mental Health Counseling Specialization (Honors), Nova Southeastern University
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Florida, License # MH 16424
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
- SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Clinical Provider, Yale School of Medicine Child Study Center
- UCLA Certified PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) Therapist
- Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)
- Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
- Certified Clinical ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP)
- Advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
Professional Memberships:
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- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Mental Health Counselor’s Association of Palm Beach County (MHCA)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County (NAMI/PBC)
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Community Involvement:
- President of the Board of Directors, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County
Presentations, Trainings and Workshops:
Checkers, C. (2024, April) Diagnostic Considerations: Autism and Mental Health. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Autism Speaker Series, NAMI Palm Beach County, WPB, FL.
Kye, C., Checkers, C. (2024, January 12-14). Understanding and supporting the mental health of individuals with autism: Focus on Diagnosis. 31st Statewide Annual Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Conference, Orlando, FL.
Kye, C., Checkers, C. (2024, January 12-14). Understanding and supporting the mental health of individuals with autism: Focus on Treatment. 31st Statewide Annual Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Conference, Orlando, FL.
Checkers, C. (2024, January 12-14). The Lost Girls: Shining a light on females with autism spectrum disorder. 31st Statewide Annual Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Conference, Orlando, FL.
Checkers, C. (2023, November) ASD and Co-occurring Anxiety and Depression in Children and Teens. FAU CARD Parent Training. FAU CARD, Boca Raton, FL.
Kye, C., Checkers, C. (2023, September 14-16). A Translational Neuroscience (TN) Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder: Creating an Effective Team. NAMI Florida Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
Checkers, C., Kopacz, A. (2023, September 14-16). Integrative Resilience Training (IRT): Harnessing the power of neuroplasticity for optimal mental health. NAMI Florida Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
Checkers, C. (April 2023), The Lost Girls: Shining a light on females with autism. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Palm Beach County
Checkers, C. and Santoro, K. (February 2023) Katie’s personal journey to an autism diagnosis: An interview with an autistic female and a clinician who specializes in autism. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA).
Checkers, C. (January 2023) Supporting the Mental Health of Female Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Clinical Setting. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA).
Checkers, C., Scott, J., Quinn-Lunny, M. (October 2022). What Can Educators Do to Address Suicidality among Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders? Palm Beach County School District.
Scott, J., Checkers, C. (September 2022) Importance of Recognizing and Treating Mental Health Conditions in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Annual Conference.
Checkers, C. (September 2022) Navigating a Later Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Female Adolescents and Young Adults: A Roadmap for Parents. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA).
Checkers, C. (August 2022) What is the PEERS® Curriculum for School-Based Professionals and how can I implement the model to teach ecologically valid social skills to students with ASD? Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA).
Checkers, C. (March 2022). Stress and Anxiety Management Workshop. School District of Palm Beach County Staff Wellness Health Fair
Checkers, C., Daly, L., May, A. (March 2022). Behind the Mask: Supporting Girls and Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Mental Health (MH) Struggles. Clinical training for mental health and behavioral health providers. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA).
Checkers, C., Daly, L., May, A. (February 2022). Behind the Mask: Supporting Girls and Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Mental Health (MH) Struggles. Clinical training for mental health and behavioral health providers. Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FAU CARD) ASD and Mental Health Community Task Force.
Checkers, C. (April 2021). Mental Health Comorbidities in Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnostic Considerations and Treatment Planning in Community Mental Health and Educational Settings. Keynote, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Mental Health Conference. Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA).
Checkers, C. (February 2021). What Mental Health Providers should know about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), ASD and Mental Health Community Task Force.
Checkers, C. (January 2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp): The Basics. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Checkers, C. (November 2020). Anxiety and Depression in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the General Education Classroom. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA).
Checkers, C. (November 2020). Disclosing Personal Information in the Mentoring Relationship and Practicing Appropriate Self-Care. Professional training for peer mentors, peer specialists, and volunteers. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Checkers, C. (June 2020). Stress Management Workshop. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Checkers, C. (May 2020). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Promote Emotional Well-being. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Development
Kopacz, A., Checkers, C. (2022) Integrative Resilience Training (IRT): An 8-week neuroscience-based group therapy protocol. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Palm Beach County, FL.
Kopacz, A., Checkers, C. (2024) Integrative Resilience Training (IRT) Facilitator Manual: 8-week neuroscience-based group therapy protocol. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Palm Beach County, FL.
Certifications
